BRITISH 5 BALL INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD SPADROON

1780s-1800 Introduced in the 1780s this was considered the first attempt at a uniform pattern sword for the British Infantry. Called the 5-ball Spadroon because of the 5 ball decoration on the hilt, this pattern proved quite popular and even the French and American army officers adopted it as their own. The French nicknamed it the "epee anglaise" (English sword) and put it into action during the French Revolutionary Wars prior to Napoleon crowning himself emperor. British officers used a number of variations of the pattern including the one offered here. Blade measures 30 inches in length. Bone handle is in excellent condition